Juniper's ultra-rugged handheld switches to Android and gets a number of tech upgrades in the process
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

On April 5, 2019, Juniper Systems of Logan, Utah, introduced the Archer 3 rugged handheld computer as a follow-up (and eventual replacement) of the company's versatile and virtually indestructible Archer 2. Six years after the release of the Archer 2 Rugged Handheld, the Archer 3 quadruples RAM to 2GB, doubles flash storage to 16GB, has a more powerful battery, and a faster 1.2GHz Cortex A9 processor. The big thing, however, is that the Archer is now on Android.

Other than switching to Android, the Archer didn't need change. Unlike a lot of gear out there that benefits from redesign or replacement, the Archer was right just the way it was. For many customers it was and is the perfect data collection tool. Tough, rugged, reliable.

However, the operating system software that Archers always ran on — first Microsoft Windows Mobile and then Windows Embedded Handheld — is going away and there is no replacement from Microsoft. As a result, the industry is migrating to Android, the immensely popular operating system that the vast majority of all smartphones run on.

"Pocket-sized data collection just got an upgrade," said Jeff Delatore, the Archer product manager at Juniper Systems. "It's the same beloved Archer — but faster, more capable, and running on an accessible operating system most people have on their phone."

Below are the Cliffs Notes of what stays the same and what is new in the Archer 3:

Juniper Systems Archer generations

Model	Archer 3	Archer 2	Archer
Introduced	2019	2013	2006
OS	Android 7.1 ASOP	WEH 6.5.3	Mobile Classic 6.1
Processor	Freescale i.MX6	Freescale i.MX53	Marvell PXA270
Clock speed	1.2GHz	1.2GHz	520MHz
RAM/ROM	2GB/16GB	512MB/8GB	128MB/512MB
Expansion slots	micro SD/SDXC	micro SD/SDHC	CF Card, SD Card
Display type	TFT	TFT	Transflective
Display	4.3"/480 x 800 pixel	4.3"/480 x 800 pixel	3.5"/240 x 320 pixel
Digitizer	Projected capacitive	Projected capacitive	Resistive
Battery	43.2 watt-hour Li-Ion	38.7 watt-hour Li-Ion	14.4 watt-hour NiMH
Battery Life	up to 20 hrs.	up to 20 hrs.	up to 20 hrs.
Keypad	23-key	23-key	7-key
Size (inches)	3.6 x 7.25 x 1.5	3.6 x 7.25 x 1.5	3.5 x 6.5 x 1.7
Weight (oz.)	21	21	17
Sealing	IP68	IP68	IP67
Temp. range	-22° to 140°	-22° to 140°	-22° to 130°
Camera	5mp rear (opt.)	5mp rear (opt.)	not available
USB	Full-size + micro	Full-size + micro	Mini-USB
Bluetooth	4.2 Class 1.5 (100 ft)	2.1 Class 1.5 (100 ft)	2.0 Class 1 (65 ft)
WiFi	802.11b/g/n	802.11b/g/n	required card
WWAN	NA	3.75G, HSPA+/UMTS	not available
Scanning	Integrated (BC)	Integrated (BC)	via extended cap

And here's some commentary on what's changed and why it matters:

• The move to Android — Would it have been nice if Microsoft hadn't given up on its mobile operating systems that powered most handhelds for so many years? Yes, that would have made things a lot easier for business where Microsoft remains dominant on the desktop and corporate IT infrastructure. On the plus side, due to Android's 80+ percent marketshare in mobile devices, almost everyone is already familiar with Android, and there is abundant Android programming and migration support.

• What is Android 7.1 AOSP? — Android version 7, codenamed "Nougat," is recent enough to be around and supported for a long time. AOSP stands for "Android Open Source Project." It is standard Android and is led by Google itself, but the AOSP version does not come with social media-oriented Google apps such as Chrome, YouTube, GMail, Maps, Photos or the Play Store. Those are not necessary in a data collection tool such as the Archer and would only clutter up the device.

• Faster processor — The Archer 3 has a new and faster ARM-based processor in the 1.2GHz i.MX6. It's made by Freescale Semiconductor that was spun off from Motorola and is now part of NXP. Juniper used an earlier i.MX processor in the Archer 2, probably because even at the Archer 2's launch the handwriting was already on the wall and Juniper wanted to be ready for a migration to Android.

• More memory — Compared to the Archer 2, mass storage has doubled in the Archer 3, and RAM quadrupled. And, as before, storage can be expanded via micro SD card, now supporting the newer SDXC card standard.

• More powerful battery — The Archer 2 had a big battery, and the one in the new model is more powerful yet, with capacity up by 12%. Estimated battery life on a charge remains at 20 hours.

• Updated wireless — Connectivity has been upgraded. Bluetooth went from version 2.1 to "Smart Ready" version 4.2. However, while mobile broadband was available in the Archer 2, it does not appear in the Archer 3's specs.

• Expanded satellite support — Archer 3 GEO models still include a uBlox M8 positioning module, but it now supports the European Galileo and the Chinese BeiDou satellite navigation systems as well. Being able to use more satellite makes for quicker and more accurate positioning.

• The only external design changes we can detect are the now orange Archer logo and small adaptations on the keypad labeling, mostly due to the switch from Windows Embedded Handheld to Android.

What also hasn't changed is the light-gray/orange color scheme that many have come to associate with Juniper rugged field computing hardware. Note, however, that gray trim available as well.

The new Archer 3